TAMPA, Fla (WFLA) Could the Westchase Homeowners Association tell residents no lawn mowing or other outdoor house work before 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday?

Its an issue that could go before voting members at its meeting on the second Tuesday in October.

Earlier this month, a resident went before the board, complaining about a neighbors lawn service mowing starting at 7:30 on Saturday mornings. Kristen Braghi of the Bridges felt that was much too early for that type of work on the weekend.

Currently, the association has no operating hours regulating such issues.

Jerrold Scott owns Blue Tech Services, a lawn maintenance and pressure washing company that operates in the area. He heard about the proposal and is not surprised.

Well, I just think its typical in todays society, said Scott, sitting on his mower. Usually, when you have a group of people working for another group of people, they make rules and we just have to follow them.

Not everyone in the neighborhood feels outdoor work on the weekend should be regulated. Steve Holroyd understands many workers want to get an early start to beat the heat and avoid the afternoon thunderstorms that routinely pop up this time of year.

I know these guys are trying to beat the heat as we spoke about earlier, said Holroyd. Id like to see them get out and get this done in a timely manner.

Ruben Collazo, president of the neighborhood association, said he will recommend voting members take no action on the issue at Octobers meeting. If they take his recommendation, the issue would die. Collazo feels paying people to patrol the neighborhood searching for violators on Saturdays and Sundays would be far too costly. He also believes enforcement would also be an issue.

If the measure does pass, pressure washing would also fall under the umbrella of outdoor weekend work.

News Channel 8 attempted to reach Braghi, but our efforts were unsuccessful.

As for Scott, he says, whatever the association decides, he and his crew will be on board.

The bottom line is we have to survive. We have to make money, said Scott. So, if we can only work after 9 a.m. thats what well do.

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How early is too early to mow your lawn on the weekend? - WFLA

Lonnie Huhman Daily Telegram Staff Writer @lenaweehuhman

ADRIAN Volunteers came together Friday to help beautify the east side of Adrian.

Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee Countys Rock the Block program and United Ways Day of Action teamed up again Friday to lend a hand to some renters, homeowners and families in need of a little help. From power washing the outside of the home to doing some landscaping work, around 80 volunteers came together along such streets as Frank and Church to give of their day.

I appreciate all that they do in this neighborhood, Frank Street resident Robert Allen said as a crew of volunteers worked across the street getting ready to power wash the rear of a home. I think it means a lot to the people they are helping because these are things they may not be able to do, either because of finances or energy.

The sites selected for the day of volunteer work were picked through an application process with Habitat for Humanity.

As part of United Ways effort, 21 young adults from six different cities in southeast Michigan participated in the Day of Action in Adrian. This group is part of Michigan Works! Southeasts Jobs for Michigan Graduates program.

Sandy Vallance, program services manager at Michigan Works! Southeast, said the group gains hands-on experience with tools and learn general maintenance skills while also tying the application of these skills to four different relatable employment areas.

She said through collaboration, they will cover the ability to work cooperatively with others, positive attitudes, work ethics and behaviors, ability to communicate and work with customers to satisfy expectations and explore opportunities for personal development.

The Day of Action aligns with our program goals, giving young adults the opportunity to participate in community service while networking with their peers and people from differing backgrounds, Vallance said. Through working with our youth, we know that this is an opportunity for them to work in a capacity that they may not have otherwise been able to participate in.

Rainesha Loftin of Ypsilanti was part of the group. She was born and lived in Adrian for the first three years of her life and then moved to Ypsilanti. She said she didnt know they would be visiting Adrian as part of the community service assignments, but she pleasantly was surprised when she heard they would.

It feels great to come back here and help out, she said.

While looking over a group of volunteers at work at a home on Frank Street, Lynne Punnett, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County, said this is what the day is about.

Weve done this for four or five years now and each time its made me proud of our community, she said. To see our residents come together with others from outside the community, its just a good thing.

She said its about helping people realize some of the aspirations they have for their homes.

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Volunteers come together to beautify Adrian's east side - The Daily Telegram

Elderly woman's home may have been damaged by 'rogue traders' to get her to pay up to 6k for roof repairs, High Court hears

BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

An elderly dementia sufferer's home may have been deliberately damaged by suspected rogue traders trying to get her to pay up to 6,000 for roof repairs, the High Court heard on Wednesday.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/elderly-womans-home-may-have-been-damaged-by-rogue-traders-to-get-her-to-pay-up-to-6k-for-roof-repairs-high-court-hears-36038566.html

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article36038574.ece/b03e3/AUTOCROP/h342/court.jpg

An elderly dementia sufferer's home may have been deliberately damaged by suspected rogue traders trying to get her to pay up to 6,000 for roof repairs, the High Court heard on Wednesday.

Prosecutors claimed one of the gang targeted the 81-year-old Co Down woman just days after being bailed on nearly identical alleged offences against another pensioner.

Details emerged as the 23-year-old man accused of masterminding last month's scam was ordered to remain in custody.

Charles Ward, of Gortview Park in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, denies charges of fraud by false representation, possessing leaflets, identity badges and invoices in connection with fraud, and acting as a pedlar without a certificate.

He faces further counts of failing to give a consumer notice of their right to cancel, and engaging in aggressive and misleading commercial practice.

Ward was said to be part of a three-man team who called at the woman's home in Warrenpoint on July 29.

Crown lawyer Adrian Higgins revealed the alleged victim, who lives there with her 95-year-old husband, is considered vulnerable due to her dementia.

He claimed Ward tried to pressure her into having roof tiles replaced and power-washing carried out.

She was initially quoted 1,600 for the work, only for the price to rise to 3,000, the court heard.

According to the prosecution the woman received no paperwork and was not advised of her rights.

Mr Higgins claimed the workmen informed her they had noticed other damage to the roof and would fix it for another 3,000.

"She refused, saying she couldn't afford it and wanted to speak to her son, but they told her they would return the next day to conduct the work," the barrister contended.

The pensioner then allegedly received a series of phone calls seeking payment for the power-washing services.

Police alerted by the woman's son arrested Ward and one of his co-accused when they returned to her home on August 1.

The court was told an independent evaluator assessed the work carried out as coming nowhere near the prices quoted.

Mr Higgins also claimed CCTV footage appeared to show men physically removing roof tiles.

"It's suspected that damage was caused by them in an attempt to create a repair job that would not otherwise have been required," he said.

Opposing bail, the prosecutor confirmed Ward had just been released from custody on JUly 27 for the same type of alleged fraud offences against an elderly woman in Bangor, Co Down.

"Police believe he's the mastermind behind the operation," Mr Higgins added.

Defence counsel Sean Mullan countered that his client strenuously denies the charges.

Suggesting the case could come down to a contractual dispute, he stressed: "These men have carried out work, it's not a situation where they have taken money and then disappeared into the night."

Mr Mullan further argued that another Dundalk-based firm had previously carried out work on the Warrenpoint pensioners' home, raising issues about when any damage was caused.

Refusing bail, however, Mr Justice O'Hara held there was a risk of further offending and cited the need to "protect the vulnerable and elderly".

Belfast Telegraph Digital

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Elderly woman's home may have been damaged by 'rogue traders ... - Belfast Telegraph

Provider of industrial power washing in Vancouver, BC teams up with digital marketing firm

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Burnaby, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/14/2017 -- Hydro Tech Power Washing, a provider of industrial and commercial power washing and painting services, announced today that it has teamed up with BizIQ, a Phoenix, Arizona-based online marketing company that works with small businesses throughout Canada and the United States.

By partnering with BizIQ, Hydro Tech Power Washing hopes to expand its client base and build its business through a stronger and more modernized digital presence and a focused marketing campaign. BizIQ has decades of combined experience in working with clients across a vast range of industries, including the industrial power washing sector.

Among the first steps BizIQ is taking with the providers of industrial power washing in Vancouver, BC is the development of a new company website that covers Hydro Tech Power Washing's service offerings and general information related to commercial and industrial power washing and painting. The site will also include monthly blog content written by professional copywriters with knowledge and understanding of the industry. BizIQ's goal with all content on the new website is to provide informative, engaging reading material that highlights Hydro Tech Power Washing's services and encourages customer interaction.

A key feature of the new site for Hydro Tech Power Washing will be BizIQ's incorporation of search engine optimization (SEO), which is seen as an effective strategy for boosting web traffic and increasing client visibility. Prospective customers searching for industrial power washing in Vancouver, BC will be more likely to see a search engine optimized website near the beginning of their Google search results.

"As a local business, we understand the importance of both word-of-mouth and online marketing strategies to the success of a small company," said Glen Del Frarri, owner of Hydro Tech Power Washing. "We believe that working with BizIQ to bring our marketing efforts in line with today's cutting edge is going to play a critical role as we grow our business in our second decade."

About Hydro Tech Power WashingHydro Tech Power Washing offers commercial and industrial power washing and painting services to clients in the greater Vancouver area. The company has the resources to clean industrial equipment as well as building exteriors, sidewalks and parking lots, and is a provider of comprehensive mobile power washing services. Hydro Tech Power Washing serves clients across numerous industries, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, marine and more.

For more information, please visit http://hydro-tech.ca/.

To learn more about BizIQ and its expertise regarding local search engine optimization, or to view its extensive list of service options, please visit http://www.ebiziq.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/hydro-tech-power-washing-partners-with-biziq-847609.htm

Originally posted here:
Hydro Tech Power Washing Partners with BizIQ - Digital Journal

Business leaders rally against a planned special service area tax that would bring beautification and marketing for the cultural destination. View Full Caption

DNAinfo/Joe Ward

CHINATOWN New banners have been installed along one of Chinatown's main commercial corridors, but they do not welcome visitors or promote a local attraction.

Instead, they slam a proposal that would create a special tax to beautify and promote the area.

The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce has petitioned the city to create what's known as a Special Service Area for the neighborhood's main business and entertainment corridor. The areas, which are citywide, help commercial districts to fund enhanced public services through the collection of an additional property tax.

Such a tax would fund needed beautification, marketing and other improvements to one of the South Side's biggest cultural and entertainment districts, according to those in favor of the plan. But there are some business and property owners in the area who say the tax is not in their best interest and would bleed them dry after a series of recent tax increases.

Community forums and City Council committee meetings have seen a vocal opposition to the proposal, officials said. Banners decrying the special service area were hung up throughout Chinatown Square the mall along Archer and Wentworth avenues that is perhaps the most heavily trafficked area of Chinatown.

"Now the city wants to do one more tax," Joanna Moy, director of the United Chinatown Organization, said at a recent news conference. "We'll end up having problems making ends meet."

Others say that the special service area is needed because the area is a growing destination in the city with new attractions, millions in public infrastructure improvements and even a new neighborhood being built directly to the north. The tax modest by special service area standards would complement those improvements and help attract people to the area, supporters said.

Chinatown is the only major cultural or entertainment destination in the city not to have a special service area, according to officials.

"We feel the city has invested a lot of money in Chinatown. This money is making it a better place," said Darryl Tom, a local property owner and member of the chamber's special service area committee. "We think people will get a lot more than that in return."

Signs in opposition to the Special Service Area tax have been hung around Chinatown Square. [DNAinfo/Joe Ward]

A special service area would need City Council approval and the support of 25th Ward Ald. Danny Solis, who said he is working to clarify misinformation about the proposal. At least one more hearing on the proposal will be held, he said.

"Some people that were very against were turned around," Solis said. "There's some people who are not."

The special service area would cover Chinatown Square, 2133 S. China Place, down to the area around Wentworth and Cermak Road. The $160,000 it would seek to raise per year would cost about $860 per year for each property owner within the area's boundaries, according to the chamber.

That amount is considerably less than what many of the city's 53 service areas bring in. (A Roger Park special service area covering Devon Avenue another diverse, cultural destination collects nearly $450,000, according to a city contract.)

Those funds would provide beautification and landscaping, power-washing, garbage cans and collection and marketing for the commercial district, Tom said. It would also fund a staff position to administer the newly collected tax, he said. Such improvements would boost Chinatown's appeal as the neighborhood makes strides in attracting more people.

A new Chinatown library opened in 2015 and a 30,000 square-foot park field house opened in the area two years before that. A $60 million plan to improve Wentworth and Wells venues has begun in earnest, and a 62-acre strip of land just north of Chinatown will be built into a "new riverfront neighborhood."

"It is not unreasonable for the city to ask for a sustainable system in which to maintain their investments," Ernie Wong, executive with the Chinese American Service League, wrote to business owners in an open letter. "The one thing that both proponents and opposition of the Chinatown SSA can agree on is that there are problems with trash, landscape and pavement maintenance, security, lighting, etc. All things that the [special service area] has the ability to address."

Business owners rally against the proposed special service tax in Chinatown Square on Tuesday. [DNAinfo/Joe Ward]

Not every business leader feels the same. The special service area proposal suffers from "bad timing," Tom said, because of the newly implemented pop tax, bag tax and a looming property tax increase. Business owners in the Chinatown Square Association pay an additional fee to pool resources, they said.

"It's going to effect all the retail businesses and restaurants in the area," said Pat Jan, a member of the Chinatown Association of Retail Space. "If businesses close, there will be no money for the [special service area]. Chinatown will be a ghost town."

There's no way to measure the economic impact of improvements made from special service areas, both sides said. But Chinatown already is seeing positive effects from its new amenities and changes to the area, and those could only be strengthened by the special service area, supporters say.

"We've got a new $20 million library, a new field house that is one of the jewels of the Park District," Solis said. "We think this [extra assessment] to complete beautification is a small price to pay."

Read this article:
Chinatown Beautifcation Tax Ripped By Opponents, But Supporters Forge Ahead - DNAinfo

Those ugly black streaks and/or green stuff growing on your roof are not only an eyesore that detracts from the beauty and value of your home, but they are also feeding off of the limestone in your shingles. The black streaks staining the roof are actually bacteria called Gleocapsa Magma. Moss and Lichens can be present as well, but only show up after the fungal growth has started.

While these growths were originally present only in the southeast, they have spread throughout the northeast and to the west coast in recent years and are a common site in many regions. You will mainly see these organisms grow on the north and west side of the roof because of the warm, moist environment that a roof creates, and due to the lower levels of sunlight on these sides.

The good news is that advances in cleaning techniques in recent years have been developed that will safely remove these microorganisms. Soft wash systems are now being used with environmentally safe chemicals.

Paul Guglielmi from Window Genie of South Jersey states, We have invested in the equipment and training to professionally remove these stains. The service is relatively inexpensive when you consider the cost of a new roof, and that a typical 20-year shingle may only last 10 years and a 50-year shingle 25 years with bacteria infestation.

Please contact Window Genie at (609) 600-1894 for more information on roof washing, power washing, window cleaning and window tinting services. Visit Window Genie online at South-Jersey.WindowGenie.com.

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What's Eating Your Roof? - Cape May County Herald

Two judges said assaults on jurors and courthouse employees, combined with conditions, including the stench of excrement and urine, are creating a frightening atmosphere around the courthouse at Third and James in Seattle.

Two King County Superior Court judges are asking for help cleaning up the courthouse at Third Avenue and James Street after they say two jurors and half a dozen employees have been assaulted.

The judges, Laura Inveen and Jim Rogers, acknowledged Tuesday that there are difficult underlying circumstances contributing to the unsanitary and potentially frightening atmosphere around the courthouse.

They along with King County Sheriff John Urquhart also recognized that there are two elements at play: crime and the fear of crime, with the latter being just as likely to keep people away as the former.

The nearby blocks host most of the citys homeless-shelter beds and many of its social-service outlets, which draw those who need help and the people who prey on them. Thats nothing new, Rogers said.

But, for whatever reasons, things have gotten worse over the past few years and jurors and potential jurors report being afraid to go to the courthouse, the judges said.

The judges said they have started hearing from jurors who want to do their civic jury duty at the countys superior courthouse in Kent because they dont want to come to the downtown courthouse.

Ive never seen it this bad, Rogers said in a Tuesday morning presentation to the Metropolitan King County Councils committee on government accountability and oversight.

Inveen told the committee about two incidents, one in late May and one in June, in which jurors were attacked in separate incidents outside the courthouses Third Avenue entrance. On other occasions, Inveen said, employees have been spat upon, slammed against a wall or punched.

Although cleaning and patrolling the area immediately surrounding the courthouse would not address some of the deep-seated issues faced by denizens of the space, it would send a signal that somebody was paying attention, she said.

She and Rogers asked the county to take immediate steps to clean up the courthouse with a daily power-wash of the surrounding sidewalks, which reek of urine and excrement.

They also asked that the county empty trash cans more frequently, remove bus-stop benches, remove tents from the adjoining park and increase the presence of law enforcement not just to arrest people but to deter crime. Another suggestion was closing the Third Avenue entrance and reopening the one on Fourth.

Seattle Police Capt. Mike Teeter, commander of the West Precinct, said that police patrol the area heavily and that while there are certainly people in crisis, or need, who behave in ways that may make others uncomfortable, there is often no criminal activity involved.

Statistically, Teeter said, a person is actually slightly less likely to be assaulted near the courthouse than in some other areas of the city.

He also said that police are not able to address some of the things that may be intimidating to occasional visitors, such as seeing someone standing on the street corner and yelling.

Though it makes people uncomfortable, he said, its not a crime.

Brian Wetzel, a Port Orchard resident who was passing through the neighborhood on his way to the airport, understood the concerns.

He said the area seemed kind of seedy.

But Renee Winget, a permanent resident of the park, scoffed later Tuesday at the idea that the patch of land near the courthouse was any worse than anywhere else.

The area may look a little rough at the edges, she said, but theres nothing to be afraid of out here. The people who are afraid probably just havent experienced homelessness, but experience is a great teacher.

Seattle resident Mary Hendrickson said shed been homeless for a time and had no fear of the people who hang out near the courthouse.

Compared to other gatherings, the folks at Muscatel Meadows as the park is sometimes called are actually a pretty docile group, Hendrickson said.

Sometimes there will be yelling and drinking, she said, but theyre not intimidating to me.

Some committee members expressed concern about addressing the symptoms of the areas problems without getting to the cause. Councilmember Larry Gossett said he didnt like the idea of power-washing the sidewalks because it brought back images of the use of hoses against civil-rights activists

Another council member, Claudia Balducci, suggested that the county consider using social-service employees in partnership with police.

Urquhart said he has a front-row seat to the activities on Third from his office. And he agreed with the judges that its gotten worse in recent years.

He told the committee he could put two deputies outside the courthouse for four to five hours several days a week for about $8,000 a month and he cited an old saying.

When youre up to your keister in alligators, its not the time to drain the swamp, he said, urging the committee to respond immediately.

While no official action was taken, the countys administrative officer, Caroline Whalen, and the facilities manager assured committee members that a stepped-up schedule of power washing and garbage cleanup would begin immediately.

Though Inveen said she was not confident the issue would remain at the top of the countys priorities, she said she was pleased with the outcome for now.

We need to do everything we can to make this courthouse welcoming to all, she said.

Link:
Judges complain it's unsafe, unsanitary outside King County ... - The Seattle Times

The Christian Service Center is raising funds to help a local man with disabilities fix up his home.

IONIA The Christian Service Center is raising funds to help a local man with disabilities fix up his home.

Karl Homes is a Lyons resident who is in his 70s and lives on Riverside Drive. Dureen Leland is the president of Church Women United and manager of the Christian Service Center. She said the groups undertook the project after seeing his home needed help.

"My aunt and I went over to power wash his house, because it was in bad shape," Leland said. "Then we noticed that his wheelchair ramp, the rails were ready to fall down and the top they put plywood on top of it ... so if you stepped on it, it squished down like you were going to go right through."

After power washing and noticing the wheelchair ramp was in need of fixing, she said she noticed two trees that needed to be cut down. She said one was splitting down the middle, while the other looked like it would fall over and hit the home.

"Then we started trying to get money around for his trees to get them taken down and then three of us fell into a hole in his yard, so we went down to Piercefield's and he brought some dirt up, so we're going to spread that in his yard to get rid of his hole," Leland said.

Leland said she kept finding more to do and they plan to get some paint to fix up his shed and get more dirt if they need it. Someone also told her the roof looks like it could be repaired.

The Christian Service Center is collecting the money and hopes to raise $1,000 to cover all the expenses to cut the trees down, fix the ramp, paint the shed and fill the holes. Leland figured out that of the money Homes receives monthly, it just about covers his bills.

"The ramp and stuff, I don't know how much it will cost," Leland said. "A guy from the Lyons-Muir Church bought all the wood for it and sturdied up the rails and we just have to power wash the rails and it will be OK, so we saved some money there."

The center sells new and used clothes, kitchen items, shoes, movies, books, decor and many other things for less than $1 a piece. It's located at 301 W. Washington St. in Ionia and is open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There are canisters to donate money at the Christian Service Center, Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County and the Lumbermill Inn in Muir. Leland said Habitat is trying to work with the organization to help out.

"We keep thinking of other things to do, if we have other money we can do this," Leland said. "He was happy about that. I think whatever money we have left we'll buy him some food, too, and stuff like that."

For more information, call 616-527-1530 or visit facebook.com/Christian-Service-Center-630223270502699.

The rest is here:
Christian Service Center to help repair home - Sentinel-Standard

A Seattle, Wash., councilman implied that a new effort to clean excrement off the side walk outside the local courthouse could be racist Tuesday.

The crime and smell of urine and excrement have gotten so bad outside a King County courthouse that two judges are scrambling to find ways to fix the situation,reports the Seattle Times.

Seattle councilmember Larry Gossett isnt a fan of one solution to power wash the feces sidewalks to tamp down on the smell. Power washing the sidewalks is too reminiscent of civil rights activists being hosed down, he said.

The area around the courthouse is surrounded by a homeless shelter and other social service organizations. Multiple assaults, harassment and drugs have been reported to the police in the area near the courthouse. Jurors have taken to asking judges to release them from jury duty and two jurors have been assaulted over the past two months.

When they come to this courthouse theyre afraid to come in, said King County Sheriff John Urquhart. Theyre afraid to walk down Third Avenue because what they see.

Urquhart is asking for an $8,000 increase in budget from the King County Council to have deputies patrol the street. There is public urination, defecation. Thats a crime, Urquhart said. There is smoking marijuana in public.

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Seattle Councilman: Cleaning Poop Off Sidewalks Is Racist - The Daily Caller

ANTIOCH For several weeks, there he was power-washing moss-covered benches, clearing weed-filled areas and painting faded sidewalks.

No paycheck and no directive; just the driving force of sense of community pride.At just 20 years old, Michael Pohl is a clear self-starter.

A 2015 Antioch High graduate, he already owns his business and is highly motivated to help better his native city.

Pohl is like the Little Engine that Could.

I believe in doing things 100 percent or not doing it all.

Becoming self-employed, though, wasnt really the plan. After graduation, he worked for a school photography company and quickly made his way through various departments. In less than a year, he filed paperwork for Michael Pohl Photography.

Ive enjoyed photography ever since I got my first camera in elementary school, he said. I really got serious about photography in high school (he was yearbook editor) and fell in love with portraits.

While hes building his business, he donates countless hours to photographing events, functions and his city.

And, at just 20 years old, Pohl is the youngest member of the Antioch Rotary Club, a Chamber of Commerce ambassador, and second chair for Antioch Highs Linked Learning Advisory Board.

He also manages two Facebook pages: The Beauty of Antioch Project and the Antioch Photography Group.

Hes spurred to volunteer because he wants the place I live and work to be a better place. Im so tired of hearing: Well, this is Antioch. What do you expect? And I cant wait to leave.

Back to all that downtown curb appeal.

City Manager Ron Bernal is grateful to Pohl.

After meeting with the Downtown Merchants to discuss ways to improve the riverfront area, the response was very positive.

(Michael) really took things to heart and decided he would do what he could to make downtown shine, Bernal said.

What I appreciate most is hes the type of leader who gets out there and does the job at hand, whether anyone joins him or not. He does it with enthusiasm, energy and a huge smile. Hes not looking for recognition, but goes about (the work) with the attitude of service and just trying to do his part to make things a little bit better.

Rotary Club member Milanka Scheiderman is also a fan.

Michael has always been a positive person, who is helpful to others when asked. He is willing to take pictures at no charge for our club, and volunteers frequently in this capacity.

He embodies the Rotary concept of service above self, (and) has been a valuable member of our club and the entire community. City Manager Ron Bernal and Mayor Sean Wright both mentioned Michael in their State of the City speeches. We couldnt be prouder of our youngest member for making a difference in so many ways.

Pohl feels everyone can help in a variety of ways.

If everybody did a little, nobody would have to do a lot. Pick up trash on your walk. Imagine if all 114,000 people picked up one piece of trash each day versus one person picking up 114,000 pieces

A long-distance runner in high school, Pohls in it for the long haul.

I get a strong sense of community pride from my efforts. In 50 years, I want to know I did everything I could to make (it) a better place and know I played a part in helping the Antioch become just a little bit nicer.

Reach Trine Gallegos at TrineG@att.net.

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Young Antioch photographer cleans city, builds business - East Bay Times